Highlighting three exceptional musicians at Catlin Gabel School

By Coligny Dana, ‘22

From the boisterous halls of the Creative Arts Center (CAC) to the lively Cabell Center Stage, musicians at Catlin Gabel School (CGS) have written lyrics, produced tracks, and performed songs for themselves and the Upper School (US).

CGS provides a range of music classes, including Jazz Band, Rock Band, Chamber music, and Songwriting and Recording. These unique classes allow students to experiment with music and perform songs. For this reason, I wanted to highlight some of the fantastic talents at CGS.

I asked CGS senior Issa Okamoto, junior Dylan Beckett, and junior Sage Petrocelli questions about their experiences with music and creation. The results showcased the versatility of each musician.

Artist: Issa Okamoto, @Issaokamoto

As a child, opera singer Issa Okamoto began singing with her older sisters and started performing professionally in high school. In the short time that Okamoto has been training, she has performed at various stages, including Carnegie Hall. While she continues opera, she hopes to write songs and create music in the future.

When did you start making music? What made you get involved in music?

I started classical training about three years ago but have always been singing with my sisters. We had a girl band growing up and sang at friends’ weddings. I have been on and off songwriting for the past few years and I am starting on my album soon!

What inspires you to write/create?

People around me inspire me to write — I’m a teenager so I have a lot of feelings. My family, boys, friends, even my dog. However, my main form of music is classical - I’ve been competing for the last three years and have won local, national and international competitions and have been fortunate to travel across America to perform.

What is your favorite piece of music you’ve made?

One of my best songs was written for when I was frustrated that my dog wouldn’t listen to me, it’s called “For the Better.”.

Will you continue to make music throughout your life? What might stop you from creating?

In college, I’m hoping to get more into my own music and not sing old white dead men music.

Artist: Dylan Beckett

Dylan Beckett is a songwriter who focuses on personal songs meant merely for him and occasionally his closest friends. Music has always been a part of his life, from the origin of his name to when he first picked up a ukulele in middle school. Beckett’s first name comes from two famous musicians: Bob Dylan and Dylan Thomas. Some of his favorite pieces of music include “Witches” by Alice Phoebe Lou, “Private Presley” by Peach Pit, “Empire Ants” by Gorillaz, and a current favorite is “Warsh_Tippy and Zelda” by Whatever, Dad.

When did you start making music? What made you get involved in music?

I started playing music around 7th grade, when I became one of those middle schoolers with a ukulele, I feel like everyone knows what kind of middle schooler I'm talking about. But then in 8th grade, I started learning how to play guitar, and as I got better I started writing pieces on the guitar and writing lyrics to accompany. I had messed around with writing lyrics for songs before but didn’t really have the skills or confidence to make it work, so it wasn’t until I started writing on the guitar that lyrics came too. I would just say the idea of writing music and the inspiration I would find in songs I listened to helped me get involved.

What inspires you to write/create?

I would say that mostly listening to new music helps me get inspired, as I find myself often writing songs that sound similar to what I am listening to at the time. Also just the idea of writing music for writing music’s sake, as it is a really good creative and emotional outlet. Generally, when I do write, I write about memories and the feelings associated with them, like specific events.

What is your favorite piece of music you’ve made?

I think my favorite piece of music I’ve written was a song I made for me and my partner’s anniversary. It was one of the best experiences I’ve had while writing a song, as all the music and lyrics just came to me really naturally and quickly, and I think the end result is fun and catchy.

Will you continue to make music throughout your life? What might stop you from creating?

I certainly hope to! I don’t see it being a career path or something I want to do professionally, but I really like writing music and hope to continue, especially as I get better at playing the guitar. I’m not sure what would stop me from creating, but I generally do find that I don’t write when I am busy. So, I suppose it is possible that my life could become too busy for me to write, although that does not sound like the kind of life I want.

Artist: Sage Petrocelli, Sage Ella, @Sageellla

Sage Petrocelli, known as Sage Ella on all streaming platforms, is a CGS junior who writes, creates, and produces music. Petrocelli has created an ep titled “DICE” and two singles titled “Dear Daisy,” and “Jellyfish.” Her artist page on Genius.com cites “Dear Daisy,” as the song that gained traction first. Petrocelli’s music ranges from slower, melodic tunes to more upbeat indie-pop bops. Her music is available on all streaming platforms (Spotify, SoundCloud, Apple Music, etc.) under the name “sage ella.”

When did you start making music? What made you get involved in music?

I’ve been a piano player since I was eight, but I started writing music and producing when I was in seventh grade. My grandma is a piano player and used to give me short lessons whenever she would visit my house in Vermont, so I would say that’s what initially got me interested in taking proper lessons. It kind of just grew and grew from there and really launched once I started working with my music teacher in Massachusetts who introduced me to music production.

What inspires you to write/create?

The first songs I formally wrote were right after my move from Vermont to Massachusetts. I had moved before, but since I was entering middle school I feel like I experienced an enhanced amount of shock and intensity. Writing music served as an outlet for all of the strong emotions I was feeling at the time. I ended up loving the whole process of songwriting and haven’t stopped ever since. Today I draw inspiration from the events that occur in my life and the music I listen to.

What is your favorite piece of music you’ve made?

My upcoming EP “Hypocrisy”! It’s out on all streaming platforms February 25th.

Will you continue to make music throughout your life? What might stop you from creating?

I definitely hope so! It can be challenging trying to create polished pieces while juggling school at the same time, however I try to always make space for music. My dream is to be able to continue pursuing music throughout my life. Even when I am not making music I am constantly inspired by what I listen to.

Look out for these wonderful artists as they continue to create and perform, and stream “Hypocrisy” by Sage Ella!